Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Pondicherry University offers a full-time Ph.D. in Mass Communication through its Department of Electronic Media and Mass Communication under the School of Media and Communication. The programme is a research-oriented doctoral degree with a minimum duration of 3 years, focusing on areas such as journalism, television production, radio production, advertising, public relations, digital media, media studies, and communication research. The tentative intake for 2026-27 is 9 seats (7 at the main Puducherry campus and 2 at the Community College). Total fees over the minimum 3-year duration amount to approximately Rs. 48,180 (Non-Science/Humanities category). The department has nine permanent faculty members, over 240 graduate students, and around 40 PhD students, reflecting its strong research culture. The programme is popular among media professionals and journalism graduates seeking to pursue academic and research careers in the rapidly evolving media and communication landscape.

Admission for the academic year 2026-27 is currently ongoing through the University's own Entrance Examination (CBT mode). The last date to submit the online application has been extended to March 31, 2026 (11:50 PM). The entrance exam date is yet to be officially announced and will be notified on the University website (www.pondiuni.edu.in). Candidates are advised to check the portal regularly for updates on hall ticket download and exam schedule.

Key Points

The Ph.D. in Mass Communication at Pondicherry University is offered under the School of Media and Communication, which also offers Ph.D. programmes in Electronic Media and Library and Information Science.
The department covers a wide range of research areas including journalism, television and radio production, advertising, public relations, digital media, media policy, and communication theory.
Admission is based on a University-level Entrance Examination (70% weightage) followed by a personal interview and academic record evaluation (30% weightage).
The entrance exam (PHD 155, Slot V) consists of 100 MCQs in 120 minutes, covering Research Methodology (50%) and Mass Communication subject knowledge (50%).
JRF/NET-qualified candidates are given preference (Preference 1 and 2) in the admission process.
Full-time scholars admitted to University departments are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month along with a contingency grant.
The University is accredited with A+ Grade by NAAC and is a centrally funded institution.
The department has a strong industry connect with enrichment lectures by national and international media professionals.

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Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

03 Feb, 2026 Pondicherry University Ph.D Mass Communication Fee Structure 2026 is out. The total academic fee is ₹ 59,655 .

PU Ph.D. Mass Communication Fees

The Ph.D. Mass Communication programme at Pondicherry University falls under the Non-Science (Humanities) fee category. The initial payment at the time of admission is Rs. 19,430, which includes registration, research fee, amenities fund, insurance, and other one-time charges. Subsequent semester-wise payments are Rs. 5,750 per semester. Over the minimum 3-year (6-semester) duration, the total programme fee works out to approximately Rs. 48,180, making it highly affordable compared to private media institutions.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Initial Payment (Semester 1)	Subsequent Semesters (per semester)
Research Fee (per annum)	Rs. 2,500	Rs. 2,500
Registration Fee	Rs. 1,000	-
Matriculation Fee	Rs. 500	-
Recognition Fee	Rs. 500	-
Sports Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Library Fund	Rs. 1,000	Rs. 1,000
Amenities Development Fund	Rs. 6,000	-
Students' Welfare Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Alumni Association Fund	Rs. 500	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	Rs. 1,000	-
ICT Fund and Computer	Rs. 1,500	Rs. 1,500
Group Medical Insurance (Full-time only)	Rs. 1,180	-
University Development Fund	Rs. 2,000	-
Total (per semester)	Rs. 19,430	Rs. 5,750
Total Fees (3 years / 6 semesters minimum)	Rs. 48,180

Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the University after deducting dues.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric Scholarships may pay fees after receiving scholarship amounts, subject to submission of an undertaking.
Differently abled students are exempted from all fees except refundable caution deposits and Group Medical Insurance premium.
Late payment fine: Rs. 5 per day for the first 10 days; Rs. 10 per day thereafter.
Hostel fees are separate and charged annually.
Room rent for Ph.D. scholars: Rs. 1,800 per annum; General Amenities Fund: Rs. 700 per annum; Establishment Charges: Rs. 300 per annum; Caution Deposit (Hostel, refundable): Rs. 3,000.
Hostel mess fees are paid semester-wise and notified separately.
No room rent is charged from SC/ST students in the hostel.

PU Ph.D. Mass Communication Admission 2026

Admission to the Ph.D. Mass Communication programme at Pondicherry University for 2026-27 is through a University-level Entrance Examination conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The application process is currently ongoing with the last date extended to March 31, 2026. The selection is based on a composite score of entrance exam performance (70%) and personal interview along with academic record (30%). Candidates who qualify UGC-NET/CSIR-NET with JRF are given top priority in the admission process.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Online Registration Start Date	November 19, 2025
Last Date to Apply (Extended)	March 31, 2026 (11:50 PM)
Entrance Exam Date	To be announced on University website
Hall Ticket Download	To be announced on University website
Personal Interview	To be announced post entrance exam results
Batch Commencement	Tentatively July/August 2026

Entrance Exam Accepted

Exam	Details	Relevance
Pondicherry University Ph.D. Entrance Exam (PHD 155)	CBT, 100 MCQs, 120 minutes, Slot V	Primary/Mandatory exam for admission
UGC-NET (Mass Communication and Journalism)	Conducted by NTA; JRF/NET qualified candidates get Preference 1 or 2	Exempts from entrance exam; direct interview call

Note: UGC-NET qualified candidates (JRF/Assistant Professor category) are given priority in admissions as per UGC Ph.D. Regulations 2022. They are called directly for interview without appearing in the University entrance exam.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, or Electronic Media with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in the qualifying PG degree.
A relaxation of 5% (from 55% to 50%%) is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently Abled candidates.
Final year PG students are also eligible to apply, subject to producing mark sheets before the date notified by the University.

Admission Process

Submit online application at pondiunivadmission.samarth.edu.in with required documents and application fee.
Application fee: Rs. 1,500 for General/OBC/EWS; Rs. 750 for SC/ST; Nil for PH/Transgender candidates.
Download hall ticket from the University portal (not sent via email).
Appear for the CBT-based entrance examination at the allotted centre.
Candidates scoring above the minimum cut-off (50% of average marks of all candidates in the subject) are shortlisted for interview.
Attend personal interview and present a written research proposal on the proposed topic.
Final merit list is prepared based on 70% entrance exam score + 30% interview and academic record.
Selected candidates complete document verification and fee payment for admission.

PU Ph.D. Mass Communication Scholarships 2026

Ph.D. scholars at Pondicherry University can avail multiple fellowships and financial assistance schemes, ranging from the University's own Non-NET fellowship to prestigious national fellowships like UGC-JRF. These fellowships significantly reduce the financial burden and incentivise full-time research. JRF-qualified scholars receive substantially higher stipends compared to Non-NET scholars.

Fellowships and Scholarships

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Duration
UGC-JRF Fellowship	UGC-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000/month (Year 1-2); Rs. 42,000/month (SRF, Year 3 onwards)	Up to 5 years
PU Non-NET Fellowship (UGC)	Full-time Ph.D. scholars admitted to University departments (non-JRF)	Rs. 8,000/month + contingency grant	Duration of Ph.D.
National Fellowship for OBC (NFOBC)	OBC candidates pursuing Ph.D.	As per UGC norms	Duration of Ph.D.
National Fellowship for SC (NFSC)	SC candidates pursuing Ph.D.	As per UGC norms	Duration of Ph.D.
Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)	Minority community candidates	As per UGC norms	Duration of Ph.D.

JRF-qualified candidates (NFOBC/NFSC/MANF) are treated on par with UGC-NET JRF holders for admission priority.
Non-NET fellowship scholars must submit an undertaking that they will reimburse the fellowship amount if they leave the programme before thesis submission.
SC/ST students are exempted from room rent in University hostels.
Differently abled students are exempted from all fees (except caution deposit and medical insurance).
Scholars should check the University website and UGC portal for updated fellowship amounts and application procedures.

PU Ph.D. Mass Communication FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between Ph.D. Mass Communication and Ph.D. Electronic Media at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Both programmes are offered by the same Department of Electronic Media and Mass Communication under the School of Media and Communication. Ph.D. Mass Communication (PHD 155) focuses on broader communication research including journalism, advertising, public relations, media policy, and communication theory. Ph.D. Electronic Media (PHD 154) is more focused on electronic media production, broadcasting, and digital media technologies. Candidates should choose based on their specific research interest and background.

Ques. Is UGC-NET in Mass Communication and Journalism accepted for Ph.D. Mass Communication admission at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes, UGC-NET qualified candidates in Mass Communication and Journalism (JRF holders and those qualified for Assistant Professor) are given top priority (Preference 1 and 2) in the Ph.D. Mass Communication admission process at Pondicherry University. They are called directly for interview without needing to appear in the University entrance exam.

Ques. What are the research areas available under Ph.D. Mass Communication at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The Department of Electronic Media and Mass Communication at Pondicherry University covers research areas including journalism studies, media and society, digital media and new media, television and radio production research, advertising and public relations, media policy and regulation, communication theory, health communication, development communication, political communication, and media education.

Ques. How many PhD students are currently enrolled in the Mass Communication department at Pondicherry University?

Ans. According to available information, the Department of Electronic Media and Mass Communication at Pondicherry University has approximately 40 PhD students enrolled at any given time, along with over 240 graduate students and nine permanent faculty members. This reflects a vibrant research environment with multiple ongoing doctoral projects.

Ques. Can a candidate with a Master's degree in Journalism (but not specifically Mass Communication) apply for Ph.D. Mass Communication at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Yes, candidates with a Master's degree in Journalism or Electronic Media are explicitly eligible to apply for Ph.D. Mass Communication (PHD 155) at Pondicherry University, in addition to those with a Master's in Mass Communication. The eligibility is broad enough to accommodate candidates from related media and communication disciplines.

Ques. What is the minimum cut-off for the Ph.D. Mass Communication entrance exam at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The minimum cut-off for the Ph.D. entrance exam at Pondicherry University is half of the average marks scored by all candidates in the respective subject (Mass Communication, PHD 155). For OBC/SC/ST/Differently Abled/EWS candidates, the cut-off is 5% below the General category cut-off. Only candidates who score above this cut-off are called for the personal interview.